Leica MD/a for wideangle photos?

[funkpilz]

So I'm dreaming of owning a two lens/camera setup: a fast 35mm and a sharp 21mm. Since I'm broke, CV lenses are the best option for me, even though I might go for the 35/1.2 just to avoid the barrel distortion issues with the 1.4. Now I'm trying to figure out which cameras to get for these lenses. For the 35 I'm thinking of a Leica M2/M4 or derivative thereof, but for the CV 21/4, which I'd only use with scale-focus, I could go with a finderless camera like the Bessa L. Or, you know, the Leica MDa!
So what I'm saying is, do any of you guys have experience with either the MD or the MDa? Can you comment on any significant differences and especially on whether these cameras would be a suitable solution for my purposes?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

you're pretty much looking for the setup I have: M4+1.2/35 or 2.5/35 (2/35 soon, maybe), M2 + 21 or 50 or 35 as well and an MDa + 15 or 21.

the MDa is great for widangle stuff, no fear of scratching/damaging/bumping out the rangefinder&viewfinder mechanism/windows and lighter than the other bodies. I have a Bessa-L as well which may have a light meter and 1/2000s but it just can't compare, built-quality and work flow wise, to the MDa =)

 

[ruby.monkey]

You're broke. Much as I love my MDa when paired with either the 12mm UWH or 25mm Snapshot-Skopar, I can't really recommend that you buy a second body now (but I'd second SimonSawSunlight's view of the MDa).

I gave away my Bessa L. It was a very competent camera but never felt overly solid. The MDa suits me well.

 

[rodneyAB]

I occasionally use an MDa with a ZM21/4.5 and Zeiss viewfinder, great point and shoot...I'm not sure the cost of an MDa is any less than an M2/M3, and arguably less versatile, so although it is a cool looking, lightweight alternative to my MP, I would question purchase, except for the hell of it.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

I've seen quite a few MDa's go for less than 200€... they definitely are cheaper than most M2's/M3's

 

[funkpilz]

Okay, thanks for the input everyone. And yes, I am broke, but I expect that to change in a while. If my savings do pile up, I would even consider getting higher quality lenses even though I've got to say I'm not much of a "pixel-peeper" (well not with film anyway) so sharpness and resolution don't matter as much to me as to others.
Another question if you don't mind, is there a noticable weight difference between the MDa and the M2/M4?

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

Okay, thanks for the input everyone. And yes, I am broke, but I expect that to change in a while. If my savings do pile up, I would even consider getting higher quality lenses even though I've got to say I'm not much of a "pixel-peeper" (well not with film anyway) so sharpness and resolution don't matter as much to me as to others.
Another question if you don't mind, is there a noticable weight difference between the MDa and the M2/M4?

I see you're based in Berlin as well, we can go grab a coffee or beer somewhere sometime and I'll be bringing the M2/M4/MDa lot. also a CL if you want (works great with the 15 as well, imho)
I think I'll have my MDa back from a friend by friday, drop me a pm if you feel like it. 😉